Charity sends out kindness kits to schools following animal cruelty case in Northamptonshire

Francesca Gosling

A charity has sent out emergency educational kits to schools about how to care for animals after a Northamptonshire teen pleaded guilty to kicking a cat to death.

The resources aimed at encouraging “empathy and compassion for all beings” have been distributed by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) following the conviction of 19-year-old Lance Cameron Elgar, of Nether Heyford, who was given a 12-week suspended prison sentence for causing unnecessary suffering to an animal on Monday.

The “emergency humane-education materials” sent to Northamptonshire schools, state that violence can be prevented if young people are taught kindness, compassion and civil engagement.

PETA spokesperson, Elisa Allen, said: “Individuals who show disregard for others are often indiscriminate about whom they harm – adults, children or animals.”

“Instilling empathy in young people is vital in order to help them grow into ethical and non-violent adults. In fact, the safety of the whole community depends on it.”

The group’s new education material is based on studies that link disrespect for the lives of other beings to a future of violent crime.

For more information about the link between cruelty to animals and violence towards humans, or to order a free education pack, visit: www.PETA.org.uk.